Active Away’s first ever School Tour has officially been completed - and what a way to start.
The tour took place at Aphrodite Hills Resort, with 14 pupils and 2 members of staff from Hurstpierpoint College arriving on Friday 13th February 2026.
The promise?
World-class tennis and padel tuition, organised group meals, 5* accommodation and evening activities - all delivered the Active Away way.
Leading the trip was George Cann, Head of School Tours, supported by Amelia Davies, Host and Marketing Manager, and Sam Underwood, Tennis & Padel Coach. Across four days, the team delivered tennis and padel tuition following the signature Active Away Doubles Programme, designed in collaboration with Jamie Murray.
And from the very first airport pickup - the energy was high.
Day 1 - Friday: Arrival & First Impressions
The players arrived into Paphos Airport after an early start in the UK - but you wouldn’t have known it. The excitement was immediate.
After a short transfer, the group checked into their apartments at Aphrodite Hills before heading to the Golf Clubhouse for lunch. Club sandwiches, burgers, spaghetti bolognese - fuel was needed. Looking out over the 18th hole, the reality of the week ahead began to sink in.
The evening was relaxed - time to explore the resort, unpack and check in with home. An early night was welcomed. Saturday would be big.
Day 2 - Saturday: Doubles DNA & Beat the Coach
After a strong breakfast (omelette station and pancake station proving popular), the group split into three:
- George introduced Doubles DNA
- Amelia delivered Spanish-style drills - heart, head and legs fully engaged
- Sam swapped tennis rackets for padel rackets and introduced tactics, positioning and the art of using the glass.
By the end of the morning, every player had worked with every coach - and had a clear taste of what the week was about.
Then came Beat the Coach.
The coaches were sharp. Points were scarce. Smiles were big. High fives were bigger.
Post-tennis recovery? Not rest. The Hurst pupils headed straight for the gym and indoor pool. February in Cyprus - and yes, the outdoor pool was warm enough (apparently). The sauna and steam room were also fully utilised.
Afternoon doubles matches followed, before an optional evening padel Americano that 10 players (including Mrs Sutherland!) jumped into.
The day finished with an International Buffet and an ice-breaking quiz hosted by Amelia and Sam. Strong music round performances were displayed - and somehow, the teachers secured the win.
Day 3 - Sunday: Clay Court Debut & The Treasure Hunt
The sun was shining - and the brand new clay courts were opened.
Hurst x Active Away were the first players to use them.
Orange-stained shoes quickly became badges of honour.
“A true token of tennis tour”, as Mr Harrison put it.
The morning theme: Net Mastery.
Push volleys, jab volleys, catch volleys - plus transitional movement and approach work. Improvements were immediate.
A competitive game of Around the World saw the coaches exit early (to great delight from the pupils).
Afternoon match play introduced inter-apartment competition. Each win earned points for their room - a leaderboard that would continue across the trip.
Evening dinner at Anoi delivered chicken wings, ribs and Cypriot sausage - but the real event was still to come.
Amelia and Sam mysteriously disappeared.
What followed was a resort-wide treasure hunt, complete with hidden prizes, hidden coaches and bonus points for rooms. Maps in hand, chaos ensued. Some prizes were found. Some… possibly remain hidden.
The grand reveal of the coaches ended the evening with laughs (and mild frustration).
Day 4 - Monday: Cracking the Code & The Active Away Cup
Theme of the day: Cracking the Code.
Three rotating courts. Three slightly different sessions. One unified goal - adding variety to doubles play.
Chip lobs. Poaching. Two-back formations.
Players rotated every 30 minutes, building tactical awareness and confidence.
The afternoon brought the inaugural Active Away Cup.
Teams:
- George’s Greeks
- Sam’s Swedish
- Amelia’s Americans
Singles and doubles matches filled the clay courts with phenomenal energy and fight. After two hours, players refuelled with fruit and soft drinks - before the coaches stepped up.
George and Mr Harrison vs Amelia and Sam.
A tight set. Trick shots galore. Big crowd energy.
George and Mr Harrison secured the win.
The final dinner at Fig & Olive saw steak, seabass and baklava enjoyed by a group that was tired - but buzzing.
Evening entertainment: Musical Bingo.
Multiple false bingo calls. Some questionable dance moves. Maximum engagement.
Day 5 - Tuesday: The Tightest Cup Ever
Breakfast at 7am. On court at 8am.
Swedish Handball warm-up quickly escalated from friendly to fiercely competitive.
The final 90-minute session saw teams reunited, earning final points for the Active Away Cup. Music blasting. Rackets swinging. Blue skies overhead.
The results?
According to George:
“The tightest Active Away Cup ever.”
Just two points separated all three teams - but Amelia’s Americans secured the win.
Celebrations followed.
Then suddenly, it was time to pack up, transfer to Paphos Airport and head home.
Overall
Active Away’s first School Tour was a huge success.
The pupils left Aphrodite Hills with:
- A more complete tennis game
- Greater tactical understanding
- Stronger doubles awareness
- And memories that will last a lifetime
Feedback from pupils included:
“The hosting was so fun and all of the coaches were so nice, friendly and welcoming.”
“We had an amazing time.”
Staff were equally positive, with Mrs Sutherland describing it as one of the best school tours she had experienced.
George, Amelia and Sam would like to thank the pupils and staff from Hurstpierpoint College for an unforgettable few days - and they can’t wait for the next one.
We now have a short break before ramping up again for the Easter programme back at Aphrodite Hills - and we’re very excited for what’s to come.